Monday, July 24, 2017
Its been a whiile...
So as some new doors are opening for me, and I will be blogging with a friend about those journeys, I decided I wanted to continue blogging. So, here I am!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Do Catholics believe that I don't believe?
My husband is Catholic. I am Lutheran. We are both Christian. We both love the Lord. We both read the Bible. We both are thankful that our Lord died on the cross for us! But throughout our 11+ years of having a dual denomination household, I have had one thought that continuously comes back to me. And it's a pain in my heart every time I attend a Catholic mass.
Last Sunday we worshiped in the Catholic church. Our niece/god-daughter was receiving her first communion! A very exciting moment, in my opinion, for any Christian! But when I attend a Catholic mass, I can't celebrate with my family by taking communion.
But it's that same excitement of communion that brings me to tears; that makes my stomach tie up in knots tighter than almost anything else that regularly ties my stomach in knots.
Here's my statement of belief from my heart. A feeling that can't be argued with. Sure, others may have their opinions, but my feelings are true!
According to Catholics, I, a Lutheran, must not be a believer, as Lutherans (or any non-Catholic) cannot celebrate communion with other believers.
After feeling this way for many, many years, I thought it was about time to dive into the Bible to see what answers I could find to this belief of my heart.
The first passage I found was Matthew 26:26. "...Jesus took break, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.'"
Even as Jesus himself said those words, "This is my body," he was giving the disciples bread, a representation of His body. At least that's how my heart and head understand that. Surely, and eventually, Jesus' body was given and blood was shed to give forgiveness to all those who believe. He was the perfect Lamb of God, a sinless sacrifice so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. All those who believe in Christ receive that forgiveness.
So do Catholics feel that non-Catholics shouldn't receive forgiveness from Christ's sacrifice? And if they do believe that Christ died for the sins of ALL who believe (which is what the Bible says is why Christ died on the cross, and I AM a believer), and communion is a way for Christians to celebrate that gift, then why, as a believer, am I not allowed to fellowship with other believers at the Lord's Table?
So diving into my Bible some more, and reading the study portion of it, to find some more answers, I found different names for the sacrament of the bread and wine.
The Lord's Supper- because it commemorates the Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples.
Eucharist- (thanksgiving)-because in it we thank God for Christ's work for us.
Communion- because through it we commune with God and with other believers.
In the Catholic church it's called Eucharist. And with that definition I certainly thank God for what His son Jesus Christ did, and continues to do, for me! In the Lutheran church it's called communion. And with that definition I am celebrating with other believers the sacrifice God made by sending His son to die for MY sins. While I am eating the bread and drinking the wine, I am feeling the sacrifice Christ made.
To my understanding Catholics believe the bread and wine turn into Jesus' body and blood. (Wouldn't that be canibalism?) To Lutherans, those elements are a representation. But isn't it the same when you get to the bottom of it? Isn't it a time to reflect on the new covenant Christ made to us! That in him dying on the cross, all who believe in him should have life! When we all take communion, whether the bread and wine becomes Jesus or it it's representing Jesus, aren't we, as believers, celebrating our freedom from sin?
It truly makes me sad, to the point of tears EVERY TIME I attend a Catholic mass, when I can't commune with my husband! And that our kids can't commune with their dad when we are in the Catholic church.
The heading for Acts 2: 42-47 is 'The Fellowship of the Believers.' After Jesus had risen, and was seated at the right hand of his father, the people gathered together to learn more about Jesus, to fellowship, to break bread, and to pray.
When my husband and his family, or all Catholics, to be exact, come to the Lutheran (ELCA) church, our Pastors say, right before communion, that ALL WHO BELIEVE are invited to communion. I just wish that when I go to a Catholic church, where I can learn about Jesus with other believers, where I can fellowship with other believers, and where I can pray with other believers, that I could also break bread with my husband and other believers.
Maybe my next step needs to be talking with a priest. Get more clarity. Because there will be a lifetime of attending a Catholic mass, which means a lifetime of tears when it comes to the communion issue.
Last Sunday we worshiped in the Catholic church. Our niece/god-daughter was receiving her first communion! A very exciting moment, in my opinion, for any Christian! But when I attend a Catholic mass, I can't celebrate with my family by taking communion.
But it's that same excitement of communion that brings me to tears; that makes my stomach tie up in knots tighter than almost anything else that regularly ties my stomach in knots.
Here's my statement of belief from my heart. A feeling that can't be argued with. Sure, others may have their opinions, but my feelings are true!
According to Catholics, I, a Lutheran, must not be a believer, as Lutherans (or any non-Catholic) cannot celebrate communion with other believers.
After feeling this way for many, many years, I thought it was about time to dive into the Bible to see what answers I could find to this belief of my heart.
The first passage I found was Matthew 26:26. "...Jesus took break, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.'"
Even as Jesus himself said those words, "This is my body," he was giving the disciples bread, a representation of His body. At least that's how my heart and head understand that. Surely, and eventually, Jesus' body was given and blood was shed to give forgiveness to all those who believe. He was the perfect Lamb of God, a sinless sacrifice so that our sins could be forgiven once and for all. All those who believe in Christ receive that forgiveness.
So do Catholics feel that non-Catholics shouldn't receive forgiveness from Christ's sacrifice? And if they do believe that Christ died for the sins of ALL who believe (which is what the Bible says is why Christ died on the cross, and I AM a believer), and communion is a way for Christians to celebrate that gift, then why, as a believer, am I not allowed to fellowship with other believers at the Lord's Table?
So diving into my Bible some more, and reading the study portion of it, to find some more answers, I found different names for the sacrament of the bread and wine.
The Lord's Supper- because it commemorates the Passover meal Jesus ate with his disciples.
Eucharist- (thanksgiving)-because in it we thank God for Christ's work for us.
Communion- because through it we commune with God and with other believers.
In the Catholic church it's called Eucharist. And with that definition I certainly thank God for what His son Jesus Christ did, and continues to do, for me! In the Lutheran church it's called communion. And with that definition I am celebrating with other believers the sacrifice God made by sending His son to die for MY sins. While I am eating the bread and drinking the wine, I am feeling the sacrifice Christ made.
To my understanding Catholics believe the bread and wine turn into Jesus' body and blood. (Wouldn't that be canibalism?) To Lutherans, those elements are a representation. But isn't it the same when you get to the bottom of it? Isn't it a time to reflect on the new covenant Christ made to us! That in him dying on the cross, all who believe in him should have life! When we all take communion, whether the bread and wine becomes Jesus or it it's representing Jesus, aren't we, as believers, celebrating our freedom from sin?
It truly makes me sad, to the point of tears EVERY TIME I attend a Catholic mass, when I can't commune with my husband! And that our kids can't commune with their dad when we are in the Catholic church.
The heading for Acts 2: 42-47 is 'The Fellowship of the Believers.' After Jesus had risen, and was seated at the right hand of his father, the people gathered together to learn more about Jesus, to fellowship, to break bread, and to pray.
When my husband and his family, or all Catholics, to be exact, come to the Lutheran (ELCA) church, our Pastors say, right before communion, that ALL WHO BELIEVE are invited to communion. I just wish that when I go to a Catholic church, where I can learn about Jesus with other believers, where I can fellowship with other believers, and where I can pray with other believers, that I could also break bread with my husband and other believers.
Maybe my next step needs to be talking with a priest. Get more clarity. Because there will be a lifetime of attending a Catholic mass, which means a lifetime of tears when it comes to the communion issue.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
"Jesus is watching over us."
"Momma, Jesus is watching over us right now. He's always watching over us. Even when we're at church or at home."
That's what my 4-year-old said tonight as I was laying with him, tucking him into bed. And I was floored. He's 4! Yet he must understand so much. I truly thought he was asleep, and maybe he was. But after a few minutes of silence, he made me smile once again.
I'm wondering if it stems from our conversation we had today during supper. Which really started this morning at church. Palm Sunday. Our church waves the palms as the school-agers come in to sing at the beginning of the service. Then comes the reading of Jesus coming into Jerusalem, being betrayed 3 times, and persecuted and hung on the cross to die.
After discussing what Palm Sunday is about, and again, my 4-year-old saying that he's so sad that those "bad guys" had to kill Jesus, our conversation continued at supper with my daughter asking why we say "holy catholic (small "c") church" in the Apostle's Creed. (Side note: My husband in Catholic (big "C") and the rest of us Lutheran, and we attend the Lutheran church.) I just taught this to my 9th grade youth group, so I felt ready to explain to her.
But then she had another question. (Which I absolutely LOVE!) She had heard from others that God and Jesus are the same, but how can that be if Jesus is God's son. Oh boy! The trinity! Many adults don't even fully understand this. How are we (my husband and I) going to explain this to a 7-year-old, even if she is pretty smart. But we do! And God leads my husband to explain! (Which I secretly love b/c he's quieter on things like this!)
But the conversation goes deeper when my A-man brings up how sad it is (again) that Jesus had to die. But just as we were quick to agree that it was sad, we were just as quick to explain the JOY in why God sent his only son to die.....FOR US! That we are FOREVER SAVED and FORGIVEN, just through his GRACE!
Ending our supper with that conversation truly couldn't have been sweeter. But laying with my little buddy, knowing that he felt Jesus right there with us, just makes it even more believable to me that Jesus is watching over us!
That's what my 4-year-old said tonight as I was laying with him, tucking him into bed. And I was floored. He's 4! Yet he must understand so much. I truly thought he was asleep, and maybe he was. But after a few minutes of silence, he made me smile once again.
I'm wondering if it stems from our conversation we had today during supper. Which really started this morning at church. Palm Sunday. Our church waves the palms as the school-agers come in to sing at the beginning of the service. Then comes the reading of Jesus coming into Jerusalem, being betrayed 3 times, and persecuted and hung on the cross to die.
After discussing what Palm Sunday is about, and again, my 4-year-old saying that he's so sad that those "bad guys" had to kill Jesus, our conversation continued at supper with my daughter asking why we say "holy catholic (small "c") church" in the Apostle's Creed. (Side note: My husband in Catholic (big "C") and the rest of us Lutheran, and we attend the Lutheran church.) I just taught this to my 9th grade youth group, so I felt ready to explain to her.
But then she had another question. (Which I absolutely LOVE!) She had heard from others that God and Jesus are the same, but how can that be if Jesus is God's son. Oh boy! The trinity! Many adults don't even fully understand this. How are we (my husband and I) going to explain this to a 7-year-old, even if she is pretty smart. But we do! And God leads my husband to explain! (Which I secretly love b/c he's quieter on things like this!)
But the conversation goes deeper when my A-man brings up how sad it is (again) that Jesus had to die. But just as we were quick to agree that it was sad, we were just as quick to explain the JOY in why God sent his only son to die.....FOR US! That we are FOREVER SAVED and FORGIVEN, just through his GRACE!
Ending our supper with that conversation truly couldn't have been sweeter. But laying with my little buddy, knowing that he felt Jesus right there with us, just makes it even more believable to me that Jesus is watching over us!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Tender Loving Moments
It says several times in the Bible that God is Good. That everything God looked at He said was GOOD. There are definitely days when I wonder how things are good. And even at the moment I have turmoil in my heart, which is not good.
But as I'm tucking my little baby (who's now just shy of 16 months) into bed, I can take some time to look at the tender loving moments that make my minutes, hours and days good!
*Watching my daughter, so proud of herself, as she dances with a huge smile on her face at her danceline recital today!
*Hearing my kiddos laugh at the silliest of things being said!
*Laughing at my A-man as he turns around and says with the cutest of giggles, "Shake your bootie!" Of course shaking the little toosh around while giggling!
*Watching the excitement in my oldest son's eyes as he's telling a story about how this prehistoric sea monster just ate a great white shark!
*Feeling the soft, warm, pudgy hand of my Peanut and she puts her little fingers in my mouth for comfort. (Drives me crazy sometimes, but will last for just a short time.)
*Seeing the remnants of a sweltering hot day on the noses and cheeks of my kiddos after a trip to DQ!
*Watching my Kailyn as she shows us how strong she is!! (I really need to upload a video of her doing that! It's absolutely adorable!)
*Sitting in my drive way with my bestie at 2:30 in the morning, chatting away, only to soon realize that we're watching the sun pop up over the horizon! Will cherish that moment forever.
*Feeling the caress of my husband's foot as we sit down for dinner.
*Viewing pictures of my night out with the ladies to the flashback of the century...NKOTB/BSB concert!!!
*Hearing my kids tell me they love me and "God bless you, too Mom!"
*Being proud of my 3 year old as he prayed for the first time at supper tonight. "God, thank you for this food. And thank you that my Dad can eat with us." After saying "Amen" he had the most proud smile on his face! He did it!
Life is full. There's just no other way to put it. But I was reminded again today of the story of the jar being filled with rocks. And it's so true. We can make the choice to let life get the best of us, or we can fill our lives with what's truly important, and then focus on those times that are GOOD, just the way God intended them to be.
But as I'm tucking my little baby (who's now just shy of 16 months) into bed, I can take some time to look at the tender loving moments that make my minutes, hours and days good!
*Watching my daughter, so proud of herself, as she dances with a huge smile on her face at her danceline recital today!
*Hearing my kiddos laugh at the silliest of things being said!
*Laughing at my A-man as he turns around and says with the cutest of giggles, "Shake your bootie!" Of course shaking the little toosh around while giggling!
*Watching the excitement in my oldest son's eyes as he's telling a story about how this prehistoric sea monster just ate a great white shark!
*Feeling the soft, warm, pudgy hand of my Peanut and she puts her little fingers in my mouth for comfort. (Drives me crazy sometimes, but will last for just a short time.)
*Seeing the remnants of a sweltering hot day on the noses and cheeks of my kiddos after a trip to DQ!
*Watching my Kailyn as she shows us how strong she is!! (I really need to upload a video of her doing that! It's absolutely adorable!)
*Sitting in my drive way with my bestie at 2:30 in the morning, chatting away, only to soon realize that we're watching the sun pop up over the horizon! Will cherish that moment forever.
*Feeling the caress of my husband's foot as we sit down for dinner.
*Viewing pictures of my night out with the ladies to the flashback of the century...NKOTB/BSB concert!!!
*Hearing my kids tell me they love me and "God bless you, too Mom!"
*Being proud of my 3 year old as he prayed for the first time at supper tonight. "God, thank you for this food. And thank you that my Dad can eat with us." After saying "Amen" he had the most proud smile on his face! He did it!
Life is full. There's just no other way to put it. But I was reminded again today of the story of the jar being filled with rocks. And it's so true. We can make the choice to let life get the best of us, or we can fill our lives with what's truly important, and then focus on those times that are GOOD, just the way God intended them to be.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Voracek Playground in Full Swing
So we've been kinda busy lately. Enough so that I think I'm going to crash into the wall that I see so quickly approaching if I don't slow down!
That, or I'm going to crash and burn!
So here's where we've been slidin' to lately!
* I was able to put on a pitching clinic for girls ages 9-13! It was a great turnout and I absolutely LOVED working with the girls! However, wonderful Mother Nature decided to step in and only give us 1 day to pitch! Sometimes she really makes me mad! But it was a positive and fun learning experience for many of those girls!! Oh yeah, and I had a BLAST!
*A few days after the pitching, and a few before the next activity, I took my Buddy and Peanut (along with one daycare kiddo) to the MN Zoo! I decided to buy a membership while I was at it! I'm sure, with 4 kids & daycare kiddos, we'll be going a little more frequently
!
* A few weeks ago we walked for the JDRF in honor of a family friend who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 7 years old! It was quite an experience to see all those walkers with t-shirts to support their loved-ones and friends! After raising $2 million+, I hope they continue to work for a cure for these little blessings.
*The next day R had his Pinewood Derby race for Boy Scouts! I know some parents really do a lot/most of the work on their kids' cars (which really frustrates me, but whatever), but we let Bug plan out his design, sand and paint/draw on it by himself. My hubby just used his table saw expertise to cut it! His car did ok...but he had fun!
* Amidst all the playing we've also been doing the regular weekly playing, too. My Princess did a dancing class called 'Feet of Faith'. Pretty much dancing for the Lord to some pretty cool Christian music (Go Fish!)! That was awesome, and she wants to do it again in April!
* My Buddy has been busy playing soccer at Shattuck-St. Mary's, as well as play floor hockey at the community center! Somehow he managed to squeeze in his 8th birthday, too! (He got tickets to the Wild game...thanks Ane!)
* My Peanut, who definitely still fits the nickname (just to give you a clue, she'll be 1 in 1 week, and she's still in her infant car seat!), started walking a few weeks ago! She's doing a pretty good job, but it's just so fun to watch her!! (More pics to come...hubby's got the camera.)
* I just did an indoor triathlon last weekend. Pretty short one, but first one I've done all by myself!! I finished 2nd in my category, so not bad for my first time. Now I'm training for an outdoor tri at the end of July!!! Lots of work to be done!! Here are some pics!!
Alright. Well, B, M and K are at the Father/Daughter Dance right now. So I'll post those pics soon. My babies are beautiful today, though....not that they aren't any other day!
Well, hopefully my playground slows down a little! But I am thankful that God has given us this playground to grow on! Hope you enjoy!
That, or I'm going to crash and burn!
So here's where we've been slidin' to lately!
* I was able to put on a pitching clinic for girls ages 9-13! It was a great turnout and I absolutely LOVED working with the girls! However, wonderful Mother Nature decided to step in and only give us 1 day to pitch! Sometimes she really makes me mad! But it was a positive and fun learning experience for many of those girls!! Oh yeah, and I had a BLAST!
*A few days after the pitching, and a few before the next activity, I took my Buddy and Peanut (along with one daycare kiddo) to the MN Zoo! I decided to buy a membership while I was at it! I'm sure, with 4 kids & daycare kiddos, we'll be going a little more frequently
!
* A few weeks ago we walked for the JDRF in honor of a family friend who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 7 years old! It was quite an experience to see all those walkers with t-shirts to support their loved-ones and friends! After raising $2 million+, I hope they continue to work for a cure for these little blessings.
*The next day R had his Pinewood Derby race for Boy Scouts! I know some parents really do a lot/most of the work on their kids' cars (which really frustrates me, but whatever), but we let Bug plan out his design, sand and paint/draw on it by himself. My hubby just used his table saw expertise to cut it! His car did ok...but he had fun!
* Amidst all the playing we've also been doing the regular weekly playing, too. My Princess did a dancing class called 'Feet of Faith'. Pretty much dancing for the Lord to some pretty cool Christian music (Go Fish!)! That was awesome, and she wants to do it again in April!
* My Buddy has been busy playing soccer at Shattuck-St. Mary's, as well as play floor hockey at the community center! Somehow he managed to squeeze in his 8th birthday, too! (He got tickets to the Wild game...thanks Ane!)
* My Peanut, who definitely still fits the nickname (just to give you a clue, she'll be 1 in 1 week, and she's still in her infant car seat!), started walking a few weeks ago! She's doing a pretty good job, but it's just so fun to watch her!! (More pics to come...hubby's got the camera.)
* I just did an indoor triathlon last weekend. Pretty short one, but first one I've done all by myself!! I finished 2nd in my category, so not bad for my first time. Now I'm training for an outdoor tri at the end of July!!! Lots of work to be done!! Here are some pics!!
Alright. Well, B, M and K are at the Father/Daughter Dance right now. So I'll post those pics soon. My babies are beautiful today, though....not that they aren't any other day!
Well, hopefully my playground slows down a little! But I am thankful that God has given us this playground to grow on! Hope you enjoy!
Monday, February 28, 2011
And the Oscar goes to...
Brandi Voracek
for the lead role in a B & B Voracek film.
I want to thank everyone who has taken time to help me out in my greatest role ever;
Motherhood!
Motherhood!
To Carole Reindl - Thank you for showing me love so many years ago through so many difficult times. Thanks for instilling a love for teaching back in 3rd grade. You played so much of an impact in my life that I even named my daughter after your daughter!
To Coach Page (may you rest in peace) - Thank you for teaching me to truly love something; softball! Having that love in my life to call my own gives me a short break from my greatest role ever!
To my Grandma and Grandpa K. (miss you Grandpa) - Thank you for showing me that marriage is a promise worth keeping! Thank you for showing me unconditional love while I take time to pursue my lead role!
To Sandy and Diane C. - Thank you to both of you for taking over for me in my professional career of kids so I can focus on my lead role as a MOM!
To Jocelyn - Thank you for putting faith back into my heart. Thank you for allowing me to feel important. Thank you for the encouragement you've given me while I focus on my lead role!
To George and Eileen - Thank you doesn't even cover all the support and love you've had for me. You've helped me throughout my ups and downs while I've been learning my lines and spots for this role. You've both been there when I've needed you.
To Dad - Thank you for influencing the choices I make as a parent! And thank you for being a listening ear during some of my ups and downs while I took this lead role as MOM! Even if you haven't always agreed with my choices, you've always been supportive.
To Beth - Thank you for being my "Go-To Girl"! You are my sister in Christ, and I cherish our friendship more than words can describe! Thank you for being my cheerleader, my prayer partner, my mentor, my counselor and most importantly my best friend!
To my kids - You inspire me EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! I love you more than anything in this world. I hope you always feel this love, even as I guide you throughout many choices. It's because of you that I won this lead role! Thank you for making my life have so much more meaning!
To my husband - You are my rock. My partner. My best friend. My love. You have been so supportive and patient through so many rocky roads. You have always been there for me, from the moment I took on this lead role. I can't say enough how much I love you. Thank you for helping me become a better person every day. I could not have gotten this far without you! I love you!
To God - Thank you for continuing to bless me in spite all of my imperfections. You have carried me through some pretty dark times throughout my role of MOM. And you have brought the sunshine out when I just needed some light. You have never given up on me, even when I've questioned where you were taking me. And you've given me strength when I thought I had none. Thank you, Lord, for being my shepherd.
To Coach Page (may you rest in peace) - Thank you for teaching me to truly love something; softball! Having that love in my life to call my own gives me a short break from my greatest role ever!
To my Grandma and Grandpa K. (miss you Grandpa) - Thank you for showing me that marriage is a promise worth keeping! Thank you for showing me unconditional love while I take time to pursue my lead role!
To Sandy and Diane C. - Thank you to both of you for taking over for me in my professional career of kids so I can focus on my lead role as a MOM!
To Jocelyn - Thank you for putting faith back into my heart. Thank you for allowing me to feel important. Thank you for the encouragement you've given me while I focus on my lead role!
To George and Eileen - Thank you doesn't even cover all the support and love you've had for me. You've helped me throughout my ups and downs while I've been learning my lines and spots for this role. You've both been there when I've needed you.
To Dad - Thank you for influencing the choices I make as a parent! And thank you for being a listening ear during some of my ups and downs while I took this lead role as MOM! Even if you haven't always agreed with my choices, you've always been supportive.
To Beth - Thank you for being my "Go-To Girl"! You are my sister in Christ, and I cherish our friendship more than words can describe! Thank you for being my cheerleader, my prayer partner, my mentor, my counselor and most importantly my best friend!
To my kids - You inspire me EVERY. SINGLE. DAY! I love you more than anything in this world. I hope you always feel this love, even as I guide you throughout many choices. It's because of you that I won this lead role! Thank you for making my life have so much more meaning!
To my husband - You are my rock. My partner. My best friend. My love. You have been so supportive and patient through so many rocky roads. You have always been there for me, from the moment I took on this lead role. I can't say enough how much I love you. Thank you for helping me become a better person every day. I could not have gotten this far without you! I love you!
To God - Thank you for continuing to bless me in spite all of my imperfections. You have carried me through some pretty dark times throughout my role of MOM. And you have brought the sunshine out when I just needed some light. You have never given up on me, even when I've questioned where you were taking me. And you've given me strength when I thought I had none. Thank you, Lord, for being my shepherd.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What's the point of fasting?
This was a question that I really never understood until yesterday. Every time Lent came around I would always ask my husband, who is Catholic (I'm Lutheran), why he fasted. Why he didn't eat meat on Fridays. Part of the answer was because he's Catholic, and that's what they do.
That wasn't good enough for me. There should be a reason, in my opinion.
Then it was because it's a sacrifice! Jesus made a sacrifice for us, and it's a small sacrifice to say thanks for the sacrifice Jesus made for us. But it still didn't resonate in my heart. I make sacrifices every day, especially since having kids! But I still didn't get it.
Until yesterday.
I have been following the journey of this little girl and her family. And it is truly heartbreaking. Yesterday, Kate's mom had asked for people to fast and continue to pray. So I thought, sure, that's something I can do from so many miles away. So I don't eat for a day. Easy enough. It's one day. There are many people who don't eat for days at a time.
Yeah, whole new meaning of fasting. I am a proponent of eating breakfast; the most important meal of the day. So I figured that would be the hardest part for me. It was tough. I enjoy my bowl of frosted mini spooners and my glass of OJ! But throughout that time, while my belly was asking me what in the world I was doing, I prayed!
I prayed that God would take the pain away from this family. That God would heal Kate.
It was amazing how many times throughout the day I thought about food. And how many times it sunk in that every time I thought about food, I was praying for this little girl and her family.
All. Day. Long.
It then hit me why people truly fast. It was a sacrifice. But more than that, it was a reflection time; many throughout the day. A time to stop and have a chat with God. A time to ask for help for a little girl who is traveling throughout a tough journey. A time to think of someone other than myself.
Here's some information on fasting and abstaining, in case any of you are interested in learning.
That wasn't good enough for me. There should be a reason, in my opinion.
Then it was because it's a sacrifice! Jesus made a sacrifice for us, and it's a small sacrifice to say thanks for the sacrifice Jesus made for us. But it still didn't resonate in my heart. I make sacrifices every day, especially since having kids! But I still didn't get it.
Until yesterday.
I have been following the journey of this little girl and her family. And it is truly heartbreaking. Yesterday, Kate's mom had asked for people to fast and continue to pray. So I thought, sure, that's something I can do from so many miles away. So I don't eat for a day. Easy enough. It's one day. There are many people who don't eat for days at a time.
Yeah, whole new meaning of fasting. I am a proponent of eating breakfast; the most important meal of the day. So I figured that would be the hardest part for me. It was tough. I enjoy my bowl of frosted mini spooners and my glass of OJ! But throughout that time, while my belly was asking me what in the world I was doing, I prayed!
I prayed that God would take the pain away from this family. That God would heal Kate.
It was amazing how many times throughout the day I thought about food. And how many times it sunk in that every time I thought about food, I was praying for this little girl and her family.
All. Day. Long.
It then hit me why people truly fast. It was a sacrifice. But more than that, it was a reflection time; many throughout the day. A time to stop and have a chat with God. A time to ask for help for a little girl who is traveling throughout a tough journey. A time to think of someone other than myself.
Here's some information on fasting and abstaining, in case any of you are interested in learning.
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